Canada expands air agreement with Saudi Arabia

Friday, December 28, 2012

To give airlines in Canada and Saudi Arabia additional flexibility when determining routes and pricing, the two countries have entered into an expanded air transport agreement.
The amended agreement, which includes new dedicated cargo rights and an open code-share network, improves on the bilateral agreement that was already in place.
“This expanded air transport agreement will facilitate the movement of people and goods and will provide new business opportunities for Canada’s air industry to the benefit of consumers,” the Canadian government’s Denis Lebel said in a statement. “I am pleased to announce these amendments, which allow airlines of both countries to introduce new direct services.”
According to a press release, the new arrangement encourages sustainable competition and will boost growth for both countries. The new agreement is part of Canada’s Blue Sky program, which has focused on generating air transport agreements with other countries. The government has so far generated agreements with close to 70 countries.
“Today’s announcement is yet another example of how our government’s broad and ambitious trade plan will benefit Canadian workers, exporters and businesses,” Canadian Minister Ed Fast said in a statement. “An expanded air transport agreement with Saudi Arabia supports Canada’s trade objectives and helps our overall efforts to strengthen economic ties with the Gulf Cooperation Council region as a whole.” - Jon Ross